Royal Challengers Bangalore is ready to start their new phase with an enhanced playing XI. As Virat Kohli had earlier announced to step down from the captaincy role of the team from IPL 2022. RCB retained 3 players including Virat Kohli(15crores), Glenn Maxwell (11crores) & M. Siraj (7crores).
The team entered IPL auction 2022 with an edge over others, as they had 57crores left in their purse. The team made some spellbinding purchases in the auction, for instance, Faf du Plessis, Josh Hazlewood, and Wanindu Hasaranga. The team is still on the hunt for its first IPL trophy.
Here’s The Possible Playing XI For RCB in IPL 2022-
1) Faf Du Plessis (C)
Faf du Plessis was the second-highest run-scorer in IPL 2021. The South African batsman was merely 2 runs behind his fellow teammate Ruturaj Gaikwad. Moreover, the last edition was the best performance for the 37 year old batter, who averaged 34.93 in the league. Faf du Plessis can be a contender for the leadership role, however RCB might consider his age as a barrier to a long-term role.
2) Virat Kohli
The name Virat Kohli and RCB are taken simultaneously with each other and Virat Kohli will step on the field this year as a pure batter and with none other responsibility on his shoulder. We can expect Virat Kohli to continue opening for the team with his new partner Faf du Plessis.
3) Anuj Rawat
The Indian wicket-keeper had 20lakhs as his base price. However, RCB after battling it out with other teams managed to lay their hands on him at 3.40 crores. The player is a shining star with a lot of potential and talent. Moreover, Anuj Rawat averages above 40 in first-class cricket which is an astounding thing for any player. He would be in RCB’s possible playing XI for IPL 2022.
4) Glenn Maxwell
Glenn Maxwell could be the top choice to lead the Bangalore side after AD de Villiers announced retirement from all forms of cricket. The star Australian was bought in the last edition and smashed alacritous runs. He emerged as the leading run-scorer for the side with 498 runs in 14 games at a staggering average above 45. What possible playing XI will Maxwell forge for the team?
5) Dinesh Karthik (WK)
Dinesh Karthik could be an ideal preference for the role of a finisher and keeping wickets. The Tamil Nadu batter was a part of Kolkata Knight Riders for the last four seasons. However, he was released in the auction pool, where RCB laid their hands on him. Dinesh Karthik could play a vital role with his expertise and experience to shape the playing XI for the team. Moreover, his hitting abilities will elucidate the death overs slow run rate for the franchise.
6) Mahipal Lomror
Another batting all-rounder would be expected in the playing XI of RCB. Mahipal Lomror has played 11 matches in IPL with Rajasthan Royals and accrued 181 runs with an average close to 23. Those numbers are not fascinating but his domestic statistics speak about his talent and capabilities. We expect Mahipal Lomror to cement his position in Royal Challengers Bangalore squad.
7) Shahbaz Ahmed
RCB rarely backs a player so much as they have backed this all-rounder Shahbaz Ahmed. He was first bought by them for IPL 2020 and then granted retention for IPL 2021. However, his performance hasn’t been on the mark. The all-rounder took only seven wickets in 11 matches in the last edition. Although, we believe RCB will pave the way for him in their playing XI.
8) Wanindu Hasaranga
The Sri Lankan all-rounder bidding will be remembered for ages as the auctioneer fell from the stage due to high blood pressure. Wanindu Hasaranga was groped by RCB for a whopping sum of 10.75 crores. He is currently 4th in ICC T20i bowlers ranking and has made Indian batters dance with his magical wrist spin on India’s tour to Sri Lanka in 2021.
9) Harshal Patel
After the auction, RCB told they had kept 9 crores aside for their star bowler Harshal Patel. However, they had to spend extra 1.75 crores for the leading wicket-taker of IPL 2021. The pacer revived the death bowling with his slower balls to solve a major headache for the team. All the fans of RCB would love him to continue his heroics in this season too.
10) Josh Hazlewood
A new ball in the hands of an Australian bowler will be lethal for batters in the powerplay overs. Hazlewood played 12 matches in IPL 2021 for Chennai Super Kings and picked as many wickets with an economy under 8. Maxwell and Hazlewood’s bond will reap rewards for the team’s success.
11) Mohammad Siraj
The test specialist has been effective in powerplay overs for the franchise. Thus, we keep him in our possible playing XI. The Hyderabadi bowler takes the charge of sending batters back to the pavilion at regular intervals to provide breakthroughs for his team. He would probably have the same role in IPL 2022.
What do you think about Royal Challengers Bangalore’s predicted playing XI squad on paper? Ee Saal Cup Namde with this squad or not? Do let us know.
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